SARNIA – Excitement continues to build ahead of the 2023 season.

Shortstop Bri Dugal has officially committed to Head Coach Greg Shortt and the Lambton Women’s Softball Program for the 2023 season, and beyond.

Dugal is the third member of the 2023 recruiting class for Shortt and his coaching staff. Dugal joins pitcher Kylee Shortt (Wyoming, Ont.) and catcher Ava Thompson (Wyoming, Ont.) as newcomers with the Lions. She is also the first recruit from outside Sarnia-Lambton to officially commit for the 2023 season.

“We’re really excited to add a player like Bri to our program,” said Shortt. “The first thing that we noticed about her is that she just wants to win, no matter what.”

“She’s a hard-nosed player on defense and a great hitter at the plate.”

While at Lambton College, Dugan will be enrolled in the Sports & Recreation Management Program.

The Ayr, Ontario native is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead of her at Lambton College, both on the diamond and in the classroom.

“I came to one of the practices and everyone was so welcoming, which was one of my main things,” said Dugal on her decision to commit to Coach Shortt and the Lions. “It’s a big step, with my love for sport, softball, and for my future, but I’m excited for it.”

“I’m really excited to meet new people and have the opportunity to bond with my teammates as well as my classmates in the Sports & Recreation Management Program.”

Dugal has been an athlete most of her life. In addition to her softball career, she’s also grown-up playing hockey, like a lot of Canadians do. Currently, she plays center for the Ayr Rockets. The competitive nature that Dugal has from both hockey and softball will suit her well as she gets set to begin her post-secondary career as a Lion come September.

As Dugal admits, nerves are still there about making the move away from home for school and sport come September. However, she was quick to credit the coaches, student-athletes, and SRAM program coordinators when it came to making her decision. The welcoming environment and sheer desire from the coaches to have her on the team played a big part in Dugal ultimately choosing Lambton College, and she's excited for the opportunities and challenges that await her.

The 2022 season was the first in the OCAA for the Lions, and while they missed out on the post-season, they had a shot at the playoffs on the final weekend of the regular season. With that experience now under their belts, Shortt and the Lions have their sights set on a spot in the playoffs in 2023, and the addition of Dugal will go a long way in helping the group achieve their goals.

Welcome to The Den, Bri!